MegaYacht Showcase

When a fleet of shimmering yachts, sleek power boats, and mighty fishing vessels goes on display, you know it's that time of year again for the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to set sail on Lauderdale's waterways for a five-day whirlwind of boating romance. Kicking off on Thursday, thousands of boating fans flock to the "Venice of America" for a spectacle of tours, gazing, and bubbly celebratory sipping.
Sellers wheel and deal as buyers fly in from around the world to negotiate on new fancy toys.
Unfortunately, not all of us have the funds to fuel a yacht, let alone purchase one, but attendees without heaps of buying power can take a gander aboard many of the drool-worthy boats. Perhaps if you're lucky, you might snag the digits of a generous and wealthy hottie and get invited to a glitzy, private bash.
Covering a number of locations this year, the boat show takes up a space of 3 million square feet. From Thursday through Monday, saunter in your best resort wear over to Intracoastal Waterway North (A1A from Seabreeze Boulevard to Las Olas Boulevard), Bahia Mar Yachting Center (801 Seabreeze Blvd.), Hall of Fame Marina (1 Hall of Fame Drive), Las Olas Marina (240 E. Las Olas Circle), Intracoastal Waterway South (17th Street Causeway and Eisenhower Boulevard), Broward County Convention Center (1950 Eisenhower Blvd.), and Fort Lauderdale Hilton (18881 SE 17th St.).
To purchase event tickets, visit showmanagement.com. Tickets cost $20 to $40; kids $5 to $7; VIP parking $55. Free shuttle buses are provided from various designated parking lots; check the website for details.
Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2013